A hygiene standard is expected to be drawn up for supermarkets following numerous concerns about the quality of meat, fruit and vegetables sold.

During a recent market surveillance by the Consumer Council, twenty-two major supermarkets came under the spotlight for selling low-quality meat at exorbitant prices as well as other food products unfit for consumption.

The Fijian Competition and the Consumer Commission Chief Executive Joel Abraham says they are expected to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Health Ministry to set hygiene standards for supermarkets.

“This will ensure that the supermarkets  actually have guidelines  to make sure that not about rotten meat only  but goods that are expired , fruits that are damaged, products that are damaged these are removed, well clearly identified, removed  so that it is not offered to consumers for sale.”

 Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says they will work with the Commission on this consumer issue.

“Our Ministry of Health officials, health inspectors are working hand in hand with other stake holders in this regard that I have been briefed and that is something they are doing at the moment.”

Consumers are urged to report their concerns to the FCCC if they see poor hygiene or spoiled food in supermarkets.